previously known as Theatre Tavern

closed

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Demolished and the road has since been widened. The license was surrendered in 1961.

It was called Theatre tavern when the Theatre Royal stood alongside. Later the theatre was replaced by a Salvation army citadel (now also demolished).

In 1888 C H Evelyn White**** says of the Tankard:

One of the most noted of Ipswich Taverns is the " Tankard " in Tacket or Tankard Street, which although still standing, is despoiled of its original beauty. Here previous to the transformation into a Tavern, resided Sir Anthony Wingfield, one of the Executors of Henry VIII. The house must at one time have been a magnificent building, and the interior decoration simply superb. Formerly the large room, (that on the ground floor,) was richly wainscoted in oak, and adorned with flower wreaths and other devices ; including the Wingfield Arms, (encircled with the motto of the Order of the Garter,) male and female heads (some of which stand prominently forward,) the monogram H2 & Q. (Henry and Annie) &c. &c. On one of the panels is a curious representation of our Lord's Temptation in the Wilderness, the Tempted and the tempter appearing on the summit of a rock. But the chef d'oeuvre is the chimney piece, a curious and magnificent work of art, which unless seen can scarcely be appreciated and understood. The interpretations of the various subjects thereon depicted, have been as varied as they are certainly strange, probably each and all are wide of the mark. The local histories, both by Clarke and Wooderspoon give full accounts ; the former has an excellent drawing by H. Davy. Some years ago in 1843, the late Mr. J. C. Cobbold had the complete work removed to Holy Wells, where it may be seen very carefully restored to almost its pristine glory, and completely encircling the study. Thus the last portion of this ancient historical mansion disappeared from its original home : it is, however, satisfactory to know that it is likely to be better cared for where it now remains, and certainly will be jealously preserved.

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